Aspen Lodge Resort & Spa

Stopped here to eat on a whim and I’m glad that I did. To say that the food was amazing would be an understatement, I can’t stop raving about how delicious my meal was.

We have stayed here several times over the past years, always a great experience. Stopped by for a beer on Sunday. Still nice.

I would give them 0 stars if possible. I attended a family reunion at Aspen Lodge over the 4^th of July 2014. This resort (I use the term resort loosely) should not have been open to the public. The pool was closed, the lake inaccessible because of overgrown weeds and mud blocking the path to the dock; the dock looked dangerous and should have been closed. The streets and paths were covered in mud; the grounds were full of weeds, which were not mowed (no grass).
This place is under new ownership; the new owners have the benefit of relying on great reviews from times gone by before the mudslide disaster in 2013. They clearly don’t have the funds to recover from the mudslide, and are relying on unsuspecting vacationers to stay there under misleading claims on their website to recover the funds.
We stayed in a cabin, which was filthy. The coffee maker clearly had not been cleaned after the mudslide, nor had the TV remote. The tabletops were filthy as well. Our landline phone did not work. We were only able to call the front desk, which was unfortunate, because there is terrible cell phone service in the area, and the Internet service is terrible as well. We were told they only have 5 megabytes available for guests and staff. I was unable to get cell phone service the four days I stayed there.
The cabin only had one small window that opened. When we were in the cabin, we left the door open (no screen) to catch a breeze. Our side door, off our bedroom, opened to a foot drop-​off. The floor had carpet, but it was squishy and uneven, making me wonder what was underneath. The cabin smelled moldy as well. I bought my own toilet paper because the housekeeping service was non-​existent. I also bought my own garbage bags, and put the garbage out my door for pick-​up because no one came to the cabin to do so. We were told with a smile they had only two housekeeping staff to attend to the entire resort.
The pool was closed, and from the looks of it, won’t be open for a long long time; perhaps years. The lake was inaccessible because the dock path was overgrown with weeds and mud. When we tracked through the overgrowth to get to the dock, we found it dangerous and tilted. The dock should be closed until repaired. There is no path around the lake; the weeds have overtaken any walkway that may have been there in the past.
Our horseback riding experiences or lack thereof were interesting. My young nephew fell off his horse because his saddle slipped upside down (clearly the staff member who saddled the horse was inexperienced). My nephew was lucky he was not injured. My son and his girlfriend made a reservation to ride the following morning at 11:00 AM and were told they might be riding alone as no one else had made reservations. The next morning, they received a call at 8:00 AM telling them they were overbooked, and they could not accommodate them at that time. My son protested, and explained he was the first to make reservations for that time, and was told another family, with a larger party took precedence.
The recreation center was not staffed. My husband was able to walk through the center, onto the pool deck. This would have been disastrous if a young child did this and fell into the mucky pool. I’m guessing there are numerous code violations throughout the resort.
Although it was wonderful seeing family members from across the United States all together again, this was an unfortunate gathering place. We were mislead about the accommodations. The main reasons we chose this location was because of the pool and lake; both of which were inaccessible. The little ones had nothing to do. The grounds were so overrun with weeds and mud; they could not even play outside. There were no grassy areas with picnic tables or chairs; no outdoor gathering spots except adjoining the Lodge; which had food and beverage restrictions (can’t bring your own). All our family get-​togethers had to be inside, eating and drinking their food and beverages.
One of our family members stayed here years ago and loved it. She said it is nothing like it was in the past. Aspen Lodge should not be open to the public at this time. Although the staff smiled through all our complaints, no amount of courtesy could make up for everything else. I will never

This restaurant had the best food and the most attentive service out of several restaurants I visited during my vacation to Estes Park area. Would definitely return if I visit the area again!

My sisters and I love to go horseback riding when we go on our family vacation to Colorado every year. We have researched local places several of the years and have been disappointed in what the rides offer. We are from Texas and LOVE really being able to get up and ride. Most places we talked to wont allow this type of riding, or will tell us we can and then don’t let us. This was our first time trying out this stable and we were impressed! It was four of us and our rider, Angela, I believe. They picked out horses that really suited us. We were able to canter several times during the 2 hours ride. Angela made things very personal and was so much fun to ride with. Next time we come out to Estes Park, we will definitely be coming back to this stable! For the price, you really can not beat the ride.

THIS WAS THE BEST DAY EVER! I took my two grown daughters for a sunset ride. Our horses were matched to each of us perfectly. and even matched our hair color… AMAZINGLY ENOUGH! The guide, Brian, was patient and incredibly helpful. He was tuned into us city girls so much so that it just enhanced our ride. We were able to see an Elk herd of 30 or so… ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! Beaver Mountain and Longs Peak were stunning in the sunset. You can tell G_​d kissed this land just for us! Aspen Lodge is located right between the hustle and bustle of Estees Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
There is nothing that could have made this trip more perfect. We cant wait to go back again and again… Go. you wont be disappointed!

My son and daughter-​in-​law got married here last week, and it was perfect! The rooms were lovely, the food divine, and even the weather joined in to make our weekend superb. When it started to rain just hours before the wedding, the staff was so accommodating and helpful. Miraculously, it did stop raining just before we decided to move the ceremony indoors, and in a heartbeat, everything was ready to go up in the mountains. Towels were placed over the log benches, while the sun shone over the couple who recited their vows with Long’s Peak in the background. The bride and her ladies rode up in the bridal wagon. We had an excellent dinner indoors as it started to rain again, but as we were finishing, the sun came out again, so the band set up on the deck and we danced under the stars.
Our rehearsal dinner, a BBQ, was under the tent, our «continental» breakfast was way more than that, with cereal, fresh fruit, scones, muffins, juice, etc. Lunch was fabulous, Sunday brunch was also great.
Many of our guests enjoyed horseback riding, swimming, hot tubbing, hiking, tai chi classes, and playing tennis. We came home exhausted and happy.
Thanks to Sam, Wrangler Rick, Master Chen, and the rest of the staff.

Let me first say of Aspen Lodge I truly enjoyed my experience there. My husband and I just completed a two night stay at Aspen Lodge. We were celebrating our 34^th wedding anniversary. We were longing for a quiet and romantic mountain getaway, and we found it.
We booked an «executive suite», which is actually just a two room cabin duplex. The luxurious king size bed is pretty much the only part of the cabin that would qualify as «executive», according to my personal scale. Had it not been labeled executive, I would not have arrived with expectations of luxury. However, the cabins and lodge have all been completely remodeled in the past year, (new ownership) so everything was very fresh, clean and new. And the linens and towels were plush and soft, water in the ample sized all tile shower hot and steamy. The sitting room area was comfortable, but lacking some typical «comforts», such as a TV, a phone, fridge, microwave, etc. They did happily accommodate us by moving a mini fridge and microwave into our cabin since I was told by their front desk when I called ahead that our room would contain these amenities.
When you enter the lobby of the lodge it looks as though you are you stepping into the Ponderosa, with log walls and soaring ceilings, huge stone fireplace… and then you are greeted by the large gold happy Buddha statue… a bit of a shocker and quite out of place in the ranch-​like setting. But not surprising once you learn the new owner is a Master Chen and many of the employees are his peaceful students.
As a whole, you won’t find a friendlier staff anywhere in the mountains. Everyone was so accommodating and genuine. We enjoyed the family friendly atmosphere a great deal. And the resort is located in the middle of mountain paradise, with spectacular views, beautiful wild flowers, and lots of aspen trees. Rustic and peaceful. We greatly enjoyed a late afternoon hike through the scenic terrain to happen on spectacular views of Longs Peak and the setting sun.
Now, let me speak a moment about the restaurant on the grounds… BLOWN AWAY comes to mind. The chef we only know as Will definitely has a culinary gift. After reviewing the menu we were handed at check in, we elected to dine there on a Tuesday evening. To our surprise, the service was some of the best we’ve received by far in any food establishment in the mountains. Ask for Sol… he was fabulous. The food was anything but a disappointment, exciting our taste buds with every bite. They even blessed us with a complimentary anniversary dessert that we inhaled because it was delicious.
One of the most enjoyable aspects for me was the horseback riding. The onsite stables accommodated my horseback expertise with the most gracious equine pairing. Bronco served me well and my intermediately experienced husband rode Brownie, who still presented just enough challenge his manhood stood intact. Thanks to Brian, our private guide, and Ricky, the Oklahoma born wrangler who runs the establishment, our morning ride was fabulously exhilarating! If you have never ridden horses through mountain paths and meadows you must try the horseback riding at Aspen Lodge. It quickly moved into 1^st place among my «rent-​a-​horse» rides. Thanks again, Brian… I will return with my daughter to share the horse-​love!
If you are looking for a pleasant and satisfying mountain experience you should check into Aspen Lodge. Just leave your ideal of «spa» and «executive» by the wayside… dawn your hiking boots, walking stick, and your favorite vacation hat, and don’t forget to bring your camera. You will not be disappointed.
Tips:
~The Continental Breakfast left a lot to be desired. The bagels were stale and the other offerings were disappointing.
~My husband was a bit put off by the «erie quietness» in the lodge. Not the «down home» greeting one would expect of a rustic ranch setting.
~If you have AT&T as your phone service you will not have a signal at this location.
~Pack clothing in layers. You never know how cold or warm the days and nights will be. And expect afternoon thunderstorms in the summertime. Common for this area.

Great time, very clean place, nice and quiet and rooms were an unexpected surprise, normally mountain hotels and resorts are smelly, stuffy, and quite frankly are old and stink. This place was very clean, towels were like new and soft, bed comfortable, view from room great, no mold in bathroom, and room was fresh. The staff was very friendly and attentive. Parking is very convenient. TV could use a few more channels and the breakfast was nothing to speak of but if you want a relaxing hotel this is it. Now the big plus in Colorado, NO DOGS, no dog butts on the bed or furniture or in the lobby or barking dogs, why folks think we want the filth of their dogs in rooms is beyond me. This resort also has a spa and restaurant. I think you will enjoy the lobby, high ceilings built upon a log cabin style, very relaxing. I am a critical traveler and this place was very relaxing and went beyond my expectations for a Colorado hotel in the mountains.

What a great place to stay. It must be so beautiful during the summer with all the aspen trees. We had a room in the lodge. The big roaring fire in the fireplace was so nice, nothing like hearing the pop of crackling firewood. Loved the view of Longs Peak from our balcony. The room was really clean. Very well insulated. The wind was howling during the night. My husband has ears like a hawk, he just barely heard it, I never heard it. The continental breakfast was nice. Fresh bagels, fresh fruit, oatmeal packets, which were very good. The milk was Almond milk, had never tried it, loved it. Staff was friendly. The only draw back was there was no hair dryer in the room. Also no courtesy shower caps:(Love that it is less than 8 minutes from downtown Estes Park and then another 5 to Rocky Mountain National Park. Plan on going back next year.

We ate here after our small wedding celebration in Estes Park. The new chef came out and spoke with us (we had a lot of different diets!) and added some items to the menu and was very accommodating. We were very impressed with the friendliness, knowledge and enthusiasm of the chef and waitstaff. Everything we ate was delicious — homemade smoked and candied nuts in the salad, entrees (steak, chicken saltimbocca, mashed potatoes) and desserts. The steaks were perfectly cooked and all the flavors were excellent.
I would highly recommend this place and we are excited to go back to celebrate anniversaries now.

My boyfriend and I purchased the Livingsocial for a one night stay here. We were both very happy with the location and building. The room was very clean and pleasant. The staff was super friendly. We also had a lovely dinner at the restaurant. We had the sausage trio (amazing), the shrimp scampi (even though they were out of shrimp) and the steak medallions. The service was a tad bit slow but it was ok because we weren’t in a rush. The only downside was the continental breakfast. There was some oranges, oatmeal, and hard bagels. Granted it was free but it was rather dismal.
We would definitely recommend this place to people!

Review for Thanksgiving brunch.
After being closed for a year, the Aspen Lodge is under thenew management of Master Chin, who has done an excellent job. The food was excellent and it’s a nice departure from the overpriced places in Estes.

Me and my boyfriend went horseback riding here, and it was AMAZING! The staff was great and the horses were excellent! I had a great time and I would recommend this place for horseback riding ALL THE TIME. I didn’t stay here or eat here so I’m not sure about the rest of it, but it didn’t look like anything too special.

We went for the scenic horseback riding and didn’t stay at the hotel or dine here (but it looked cute). Our wrangler was awesome, the horses were a little stubborn, but otherwise great. We really enjoyed our ride — and i definitely recommend it!

A beautiful setting for a friend’s wedding. Fairly friendly staff, but poorly informed about the hotel itself. The room was OK, but no more than that. Everything else downhill from there. No TV: fine. Wireless signal doesn’t make it into all rooms, and even with good reception in the lobby it’s barely functional. Much of the facility in some state of disrepair. And look at the bathtub photo – yellow water not a good sign.
Rustic is one thing. This is another.

Took the 2 boys up there last weekend to get out of the city and enjoy some mountain air and entertainment.
We thought we had booked the lodge, but ended up in a cabin. The lodge has smaller rooms, but they are more updated and modern (so we were told, we didn’t exactly get a tour). But we were in a cabin, which is bigger and has more space, a «master bedroom» and living area with bunk beds — boys love bunk beds. The room was ok, a little fusty, but not that bad. Bathrooms were also ok, not great, but if you want the Ritz, go to the Ritz :-)
Fun we had: Horseback riding, the wranglers are super nice and even let my kids borrow cowboy hats! Fishing was great, rods were inexpensive and they give you marshmallow for bait. We didn’t catch squat, but had fun. Took a short boat ride, free and fun.
Breakfast was included and was just. We had lunch there too, it was ok, sandwiches and weak service, but they are working on that. the menu, the service, eh. We had a nice sweet girl who was without a clue.
Overall, a real good find (nice work hun!) — not expensive, ~90 minutes from Denver and some stunning scenery!